Was Your Airport or Airline Eligible for RATI Funding in BC?

Was Your Airport or Airline Eligible for RATI Funding in BC?

Many regional airports and airlines in British Columbia struggled to stay operational during COVID‑19. The Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) was created to keep essential air services running in smaller and remote communities. If you manage an airport or operate a regional airline, this guide explains who was eligible for RATI funding in BC, what costs were covered, and what to do now that the program has ended.

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Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) Eligibility in British Columbia

The Regional Air Transportation Initiative was a $206 million federal program delivered nationally, with Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) responsible for British Columbia. The application period is now closed, and the program ended on March 31, 2022. Priority consideration was given to applications submitted by April 30, 2021.

Who Was Eligible for RATI Funding in BC?

RATI focused on organizations that were critical to regional connectivity. In British Columbia, eligible applicants included:

• Regional and local airports that serve smaller or remote communities
• Regional and local air carriers providing essential passenger or cargo services
• Organizations that could demonstrate their role as a critical transportation hub or that filled an essential service gap in the region

Large national airlines and major international airports were generally not the target of this funding. The program prioritized operations that, without support, risked service reductions or shutdowns that would isolate communities.

What Types of Activities Were Supported?

RATI funding was designed to keep air transportation systems functioning, not to cover losses or expansion plans. Eligible activities in BC typically included:

• Operating and maintenance costs required to keep airports open
• Health and safety measures related to COVID‑19
• Costs tied to maintaining essential air routes and minimum service levels
• Operational adaptations needed to remain viable during reduced travel demand

Ineligible costs included:

• Revenue or profit losses
• Debt refinancing
• Aircraft purchases or major capital expansions
• Fuel costs

How Much Funding Could You Receive?

There was no fixed maximum amount published for individual recipients. Funding levels varied based on:

• The size and role of the airport or airline
• Regional importance and community reliance on the service
• The scope and duration of eligible operating costs

Contributions were assessed case by case, based on demonstrated need and regional priorities in British Columbia.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter current transportation and infrastructure programs by province and organization type in seconds.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming all aviation businesses qualified
   RATI was limited to regional and local airports and carriers. Charter operators and aviation service companies without essential routes were often ineligible.

2. Including revenue losses as eligible costs
   Lost ticket sales or reduced passenger volumes were not covered under RATI.

3. Applying too late
   Applications submitted after April 30, 2021, were lower priority, and the intake is now closed.

4. Overlooking federal delivery
   While focused on BC, RATI was a federal program administered by PacifiCan, not the provincial government.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Regional Air Transportation Initiative still open in BC?
No. The application period is closed, and the program ended on March 31, 2022. No new applications are being accepted.

Q: Who delivered RATI funding in British Columbia?
In BC, RATI was delivered by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) on behalf of the federal government.

Q: Were RATI contributions taxable?
In most cases, government contributions are considered taxable income. Your accountant would need to confirm how RATI funding applied to your specific organization.

Q: Did RATI cover aircraft purchases or fleet upgrades?
No. Aircraft purchases and major capital investments were not eligible expenses under RATI.

Q: Are there programs that replaced RATI?
RATI was a temporary COVID‑19 response. Current options may include infrastructure, regional development, or clean transportation programs, depending on your situation.

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